Learn how to make bread pudding, a classic dessert

All it takes is a few ingredients. Some stale bread, milk, eggs, seasonings or spices. An oven. And a taste for a delicious side dish or dessert. Bread pudding is simple, comforting and delicious.

Years ago, no one needed to ask how to make bread pudding. The steps and basic ingredients were common knowledge. And the specifics varied depending on what was on hand.

What probably started as a way to use up stale, hard bread and common staples like milk and eggs is still one of the most popular winter desserts. And a lesser known version, the savory bread pudding, is making a come-back as a side dish with meat, vegetables or fish. Even if you've never made it, this is one of the simplest dishes to make. Ready to try?

Here are a few recipes to teach you how to make bread pudding.

Amish Bread Pudding -- a classic dessert recipe, the perfect ending for a Sunday dinner. Don't try to make this with skim milk or margarine. The whole milk )or even better half-and-half or cream) and butter are essential parts of the recipe.Ingredients:

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside for 5 minutes, then pour over warm bread pudding before serving.

Savory bread pudding

Unlike dessert bread puddings, savory puddings are served as a side dish. Instead of sugar, these puddings rely on cheeses, herbs and vegetables for their flavor. This recipe from a former Park City, Utah restaurant is a classic example of how to make bread pudding to accompany a special meal. Savory Bread Pudding with Asparagus, Three Cheeses and Herbs Ingredients

If the bread is not stale, place it on 2 large baking sheets. Let stand uncovered overnight to dry out.

Cook asparagus in medium pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain well. Rinse them under cold running water to cool. Drain again well.

Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in large bowl. Mix cheeses and herbs in medium bowl. Place half of French bread in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the asparagus, then half of cheese mixture. Pour half of egg mixture over the bread, cheese and veggies. Add another layer of bread, asparagus, cheese mixture, and egg mixture. Let the dish stand for 20 minutes, pressing with the back of the spatula to submerge bread pieces.

No matter which type of bread pudding you decide to make, you'll soon find yourself creating your own variations. Learning how to make bread pudding will give you countless ways to treat your family to a delicious dessert or a sure-to-be-a-favorite side dish.